DULUTH — From the Twin Ports to the Twin Cities and from outside of the borders of Minnesota and the United States, nearly 300 hundred rowers competed in Superior Bay during the 64th Annual Duluth International Rowing Regatta. The Duluth Rowing Club itself has nearly 100 kids and 70 masters rowers, according to Emily Wells, a coach with the club. There is even a rower in their 80s.
“We have got a lot of members participating today, which is just really exciting,” said Wells. “A lot of new kids too, this is their very first race and we are just happy they are here and rowing is not an easy sport. There's a steep learning curve, so for these kids to come and just take part in the day, we just love it, and adults too.
” The weather cooperated, with sunshine and temperatures in the 80s for much of the afternoon as 29 events for a variety of age groups were held between 8 a.m. and 5 p.
m. Competitors came from all over, as besides the Duluth Rowing Club, other clubs that competed included some from the Twin Cities, Michigan and Canada. ADVERTISEMENT “I think Duluth is just a pretty cool place in general and the bay makes for a unique growing experience," said Wells.
It is pretty common for it to start out glass calm in the morning and then for it to kick up a little bit. Every time you come, it could be a little unique and even some years if the weather is not good on the bay side, sometimes we'll carry all of our boats over and go to the lake side, which is a logistical-complicating thing, but it makes for another beautiful row, just a different place. So, I think Duluth just offers a lot for people who want to come row in a pretty place.
” The Minneapolis Rowing Club took top honors with an overall score of 523. The Duluth Rowing Club finished second with an overall score of 390. Local winners included Pete Olson in the Masters men's single, Tom Rauschenfels and Greg Peterson in the Masters men's double, Emily Rish and Java Jordon in the women's double, and the team of Jenny Peterson, Patti Harvieux, Andrea Rosenberg and Bonnie Fuller-Kask in the women's four.
The Duluth club had 11 second-place and 10 third-place finishes. For more on the 64th annual Duluth International Rowing Regatta and to learn more about the Duluth Rowing Club, visit duluthrowing.org.
“Rowing is a lifelong sport,” said Wells. “Rowing is one of those low impact, full body exercises that it's just about good for everybody and we really believe that rowing is for all here and we just want everybody to come down and give it a try.” Overall Team Results: 1.
Minneapolis Rowing Club - 523 2. Duluth - 390 3. Long Lake Rowing Crew - 306 4 Thunder Bay Rowing Club - 100 5.
Rochester Rowing Club - 44 6. Brainerd Lakes Rowing Club - 36 7. Upper Peninsula Rowing Club (Marquette, Mich.
) - 11 ADVERTISEMENT.
